EQUALLY ABLE TO PLAY ON THE BACK END OR UP FRONT, GEORGES MANTHA JOINED BROTHER SYLVIO AND THE CANADIENS IN 1928, HIS FIRST OF 12 SEASONS IN MONTREAL.

Born in Lachine, Quebec in 1908, Georges Mantha, half of one of hockey’s first brother acts, spent a dozen complete seasons with the Canadiens in the early decades of the NHL.

Comfortable at either forward or defense, depending where the team needed him the most, the 5-foot-7, 165-pound Mantha was a skilled skater with a powerful shot who was called upon to fill a defensive role for most of his career.

After spending several winters suiting up for a Bell Telephone entry in one of the many senior leagues that flourished at the time, Mantha cracked the Habs’ lineup in 1928-29, joining older brother Sylvio, who was already an established veteran in the 10-team NHL.

Impressive in the 21 games he played that season, Mantha graduated to full-time status the next year, appearing in all 44 games and scoring five goals along the way. Playing on a line charged with countering hockey’s top sharp-shooters, Mantha helped hold Boston’s offense to a mere three goals in the Finals as Montreal swept away the heavily favored Bruins to win the 1930 Stanley Cup.

The following year, Mantha maintained his defensive excellence and also managed to make the most of his scoring chances. He followed an 11-goal regular season with five playoff markers, playing a big role in his second Stanley Cup title in as many years.

Playing in an era where referees turned a blind eye more often than they do today, Mantha stood out from the crowd with his clean play. Using speed, agility and anticipation, his game was built on brains and talent rather than more primitive tactics that were the signature style of many around the league.

Most seasons, Mantha played a largely defensive role but when circumstances dictated, he quickly adjusted his play. Howie Morenz’s trade to Chicago left a big hole up front but when asked to fill it, Mantha came through. He potted 13 goals in 1936-37 and followed it up with a career high 23 the next season, leading the team with 42 points.

In 488 games with the Montreal Canadiens, Mantha scored 89 goals and assisted on 102 others. Always a gentlemanly player, he spent only 148 minutes in the penalty box.

After leaving hockey, Mantha spent many years actively involved in amateur and youth sports, eventually becoming the city of Montreal’s Assistant Director for Sports.

He is credited with suggesting that Jarry Park would make a suitable temporary home for a baseball team when promoters where looking for a home for a franchise that would later become the Expos.

Georges Mantha died in 1990 at the age of 81. One of Montreal’s largest recreation complexes features two surfaces, which bear the names of both Mantha brothers.